• The initiative fosters collaboration between academia and business, providing students with practical skills and industry knowledge.
• Participants from three universities will work on real business cases over the next four weeks.
• AmCham Bulgaria Hackathon 2025 features IBM Bulgaria, Kamenitza, Curtis Balkan, Moto-Pfohe, Paysafe, RingCentral, Sensata Technologies, and SofMedica, with additional support from StorPool.

Today, the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (AmCham Bulgaria), in partnership with the Technical University of Sofia, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” and the Faculty of Physics and Technology at Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski,” officially launched the AmCham Bulgaria Hackathon 2025 at the National Center for Excellence in Mechatronics and Clean Technologies – Student Campus of TU-Sofia.

The event gathered students, academic lecturers, and representatives of AmCham member companies organizing the initiative. They set an inspiring start to this year’s hackathon, providing comprehensive information about its essence, process, and benefits for participants. The official speakers included Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Accreditation, and Academic Staff at TU-Sofia, Corr. Member Prof. DSc Eng. Georgi Todorov, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technologies and Chair of the General Assembly of TU-Sofia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Yalamov, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Sofia University, Dr. Megi Dakova, Secretary of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at Plovdiv University, and Ivan Mihaylov, CEO of AmCham Bulgaria.

From the host institution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agata Manolova, Dean of the Faculty of Telecommunications and Head of the International Relations and Public Affairs Department at TU-Sofia, as well as the Chief Coordinator of Hackathon 2025 for TU-Sofia, emphasized the importance of cooperation between academia and industry. She expressed excitement that for the second consecutive year, the initiative is being carried out in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria and involves the three largest universities in the country.

Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov addressed the audience, stating:

“This hackathon is an exceptional opportunity for students to understand how real businesses operate, work in teams, and turn their ideas into real solutions. Partnerships with business associations like AmCham bridge academic programs with practical applications.”

Prof. DSc Eng. Georgi Todorov expressed his satisfaction that TU-Sofia remains an active partner in this educational and business initiative for the second year. He highlighted the scientific and technical potential and achievements of the university, pointing to the National Center for Excellence in Mechatronics and Clean Technologies – the venue for the launch event – as a prime example.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Yalamov stressed the hackathon’s role in fostering entrepreneurship, both externally through solutions for new products and services, and internally by improving efficiency and resource management within companies.

“This initiative is not just about technological innovation but also about connecting academia with business, creating solutions that can turn into real-world applications, as seen in the first edition of the Hackathon in 2024.”

Ivan Mihaylov, CEO of AmCham Bulgaria, addressed students, colleagues, and faculty with enthusiasm, noting that he is an alumnus of TU-Sofia himself. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to bridging academic programs with business needs, particularly in talent development.

“The participation of leading universities and industry experts as mentors in the Hackathon proves that initiatives like this shape the future of Bulgaria’s workforce.”

After the official opening, two of the three managers of Hackathon 2025 – Antoaneta Petrova (Sensata Technologies Bulgaria) and Hristina Hristova (Paysafe Bulgaria) – presented the goals, structure, and expectations of Hackathon 2025, along with key dates, deadlines, the judging panel, and evaluation criteria.

The event provided an opportunity for participating companies to introduce themselves directly to the audience through their mentors and team leaders. A panel discussion, moderated by Daniel Kiryakov, Communications and Institutional Relations Manager at AmCham Bulgaria and the third manager of the initiative, featured Nadezhda Yordanova, IBM, Desislava Pencheva, Brewery Director, Kamenitza AD, Ivelina Panamska, HR Director, Moto-Pfohe, Stoill Stoilov, Operational Excellence Manager, Sensata Technologies Bulgaria, Petya Arsova, Commercial Director, SofMedica, Anita Yanudova, Customer Relations and Quality Manager, Paysafe, and Eng. Bilyana Doncheva, Senior Test Engineer, Curtis Balkan.

They shared insights into their companies, their core activities, and the benefits of collaboration between mentors and students during the hackathon.

Ivelina Panamska (Moto-Pfohe) linked the company’s efforts in attracting talent to the automotive industry.

“The hackathon will help develop the skills of those eager to explore the world of electric vehicles through new technologies.”

Desislava Pencheva (Kamenitza) emphasized data analysis and efficiency improvements: “Our case will focus on identifying ‘dormant funds’ in our warehouses to enhance efficiency, not only in our core production but also in the supporting brewery processes.”

Nadezhda Yordanova (IBM Bulgaria) highlighted teamwork and skill development: “We will provide students with a unique opportunity to work alongside our teams, leading to solutions and enhanced knowledge benefiting all participants.”

Anita Yanudova (Paysafe) introduced opportunities in fintech: “Hackathons expose students to real challenges and allow them to bring fresh ideas into the fintech industry.”

Boryana Doncheva (Curtis Balkan) emphasized engineering innovation and mentorship: “Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Sharing knowledge and working with the next generation of engineers and analysts is key to our mutual success.”

Stoill Stoilov (Sensata Technologies) connected technology, customer needs, and engineering expertise: “Our success relies on innovation and teamwork. This event is a unique chance for you to develop critical skills, work with mentors, and create solutions shaping the future of AI and machine learning.”

Petya Arsova (SofMedica) described mentoring as a mutual learning experience: “Our medical technology solutions improve lives and facilitate doctors’ work. We aim to ensure that students and mentors achieve their shared goals in Hackathon 2025.”

AmCham Bulgaria Hackathon 2025 Timeline

• Student registration from the three universities is open until March 14, 2025, at noon, via the registration form.
• From March 14 to April 5, 2025, students will work on cases, build relationships, and gain knowledge through discussions, public sources, and mentorship from industry and academia.
• Public presentations of team solutions will take place April 7-9, 2025, before a jury including Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Todorov (TU-Sofia), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iya Petkova (Sofia University), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Bodurov (Plovdiv University), and Daniel Kiryakov (AmCham Bulgaria).
• The final ceremony and awards will be held on April 10, 2025, hosted once again by the Technical University of Sofia.

The target group of the Hackathon includes third- and fourth-year students, as well as master’s program students from the Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv University, and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University.